HCNH+: a new interstellar molecular ion

Astrophys J. 1986 Mar 1:302:L31-6. doi: 10.1086/184631.

Abstract

A new molecular ion, HCNH+, or protonated HCN, has been detected in the interstellar medium. The J = 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2 rotational transitions of this species have been observed toward Sgr B2. Using a large velocity gradient model calculation, the column density of HCNH+ is found to be approximately 4 x 10(14) cm-2, about one order of magnitude less than that estimated for HCO+ and HCN in this source. Such a column density implies a fractional abundance for HCNH+ in Sgr B2 of approximately 3 x 10(-10), one to several orders of magnitude greater than the values predicted by ion-molecule models of interstellar chemistry. The high observed abundance of this species, relative to theoretical calculations, suggests that the destruction of HCNH+ by dissociative recombination is slower than expected, or that the formation rate of the ion has been underestimated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Astronomical Phenomena
  • Astronomy
  • Extraterrestrial Environment*
  • Hydrogen Cyanide / analysis
  • Hydrogen Cyanide / chemistry*
  • Ions
  • Microwaves
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Protons
  • Spectrum Analysis

Substances

  • Ions
  • Protons
  • Hydrogen Cyanide